OurStory
Situated in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, Greystone Public House quickly established itself as a staple of the region, drawing in patrons seeking not only exceptional cuisine but also an unparalleled dining experience.In 2016, the Viscounts and the Frischs embarked on a journey by purchasing the old tavern property and reshaping it into the culinary haven known as Greystone Public House.
Through this venture, John and Shirley Frisch transcended their roles as business partners and became more like family for the Viscounts. Their bond grew stronger as they poured their collective passion and dedication into both the partnership and the establishment, fostering an environment at Greystone Public House where patrons feel not just welcomed, but look forward to going for a special event or simple date night.
Kelly Viscount, garnering a Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland and having dedicated three decades to the hotel industry, made the pivotal decision to join her husband at Greystone Public House as the General Manager, further cementing their shared commitment to culinary innovation and hospitality.
The unforeseen challenge of water damage on December 26th, 2022, could have spelled disaster. However, the closure became a period of renewal and reinvention. During the six-month hiatus, Jason revisited his Italian roots, incorporating traditional cooking methods into Greystone Public House’s offerings. An addition was built to house a wood-burning pizza oven, and a new in-house pasta program was launched, symbolizing a renaissance of flavor and tradition.
Looking ahead, Jason and Kelly Viscount are filled with anticipation for the future of Greystone Public House. Their unwavering dedication to culinary excellence and commitment to fostering a familial atmosphere ensures that Greystone Public House will continue to thrive as a culinary destination in Central PA.
Building History
The original stone building at Greystone Public House was built in 1798 by Godfrey Fritchey, one of Harrisburg’s earliest settlers. Fritchey was born in Schoenlinder, Germany, near Dresden, in 1755. In 1783, he traveled with a companion to America, fully intending to return home, however he never left. Life really is what happens while you’re making other plans…
In 1789, Fritchey purchased 25 acres of land on this site from Andrew Berryhill, the property’s original owner. Berryhill had received a warrant from the Quaker government for this tract of land on May 6, 1765. By 1798, Fritchey had built the two-story fieldstone house; it was not the typical 18th century home in this area. Most houses built here during that time were small log structures, and it’s clear that Fritchey came to the United States with considerable wealth. Fritchey designed this house to resemble his former home in Bavaria, and it became known in this early community as the Fritchey Mansion. On July 24th, 1787, Fritchey married Maria Dorothea Bucher in Lebanon. Dorothy and Godfrey lived here in the house that they had built and raised 13 children.
On April 16, 1805, Godfrey Fritchey obtained a liquor license and operated the Fritchey Tavern here. The original spirits license to Greystone Public House, dated 1805 and issued by then Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean, reads:
“Whereas Godfrei Fritchey hath been recommended to me, as a sober and fit person to keep a House of Entertainment, and being requested to grant him a license for the same, I do hereby license and allow the said Godfrei to keep a Public House in the Township of Paxton Dauphin County for selling Wine, Rum, Brandy, Beer, Cyder, and all other spirituous Liquors.”
A copy of the original license hangs in the bar at the tavern. Fritchey Tavern was an obvious stop for traffic using the main thoroughfare, now Linglestown Road, which fronted the property.
Fritchey operated the tavern until his death in 1821, at the age of 66. In his will, Godfrey passed the property on to his wife, Dorothy. A portion of his will reads: I give unto my beloved wife Dorothy the tavern house with all the other buildings wherein I dwell and reside with my family and all the land thereto belonging containing about 25 acres.
We are proud of our rich history and strive to carry on the legacy of the great men and women who operated this tavern before us. We hope that you’ll enjoy your time here and you’ll visit again soon. Welcome to Greystone Public House…
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contact@greystonepa.com | 717.829.9952
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Greystone Public House teamed up with local farmers to provide the freshest and highest quality products and prepares the food in a casual but upscale environment.